New contenders emerge for England job

RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer says a number of new candidates have emerged for the England job, with Wayne Bennett’s future still unclear.

Bennett’s contract ran out at the end of 2019, though he is keen to continue in the role working towards the 2021 World Cup.

That seemed to be the favoured position of the RFL, but Bennett has faced criticism following the ill-fated Great Britain tour in the autumn and a review of that tour is still ongoing.

Former Wigan coach Shaun Wane has expressed his interest in the role.

Rimmer said: “There’s been a few (candidates), a mix. Any time the coaching posts come up at any of the four major nations, you would expect there to be a strong field of candidates that want to to take the role.

“So plenty of candidates have emerged.

“The driving force at the moment is that the recommendation is this is the right person to win the World Cup in 2021.”

The review is set to be presented to the RFL board on February 6.